Dyslexia Bedford is run by Louise Cunningham, a specialist teacher and assessor with more than 25 years of experience across primary, secondary and specialist SEN settings. She is a former assistant head teacher and SENCO, holds AMBDA status with the British Dyslexia Association, and holds an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) from PATOSS, the professional association for specialist teachers of pupils with specific learning difficulties.
What she offers
- diagnostic assessments for dyslexia in children and adults
- assessments for dyscalculia (a specific learning difficulty in maths)
- adult assessments that also explore developmental coordination disorder (DCD, sometimes called dyspraxia)
- learning profiles in literacy and maths for younger learners
- exam access arrangements testing for schools
- QbCheck, a computer-based attention screen, on its own or alongside an assessment
Louise's reports include personalised recommendations and strategies. Her site says they meet SASC guidelines and the requirements used for exam access arrangements (JCQ) and the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
How this fits with ADHD and autism
ADHD, autism and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia often occur together, and they can be hard to tell apart from the outside. A dyslexia assessment looks at how someone reads, writes and processes information, which an ADHD or autism assessment does not set out to measure. If you or your child have been diagnosed with ADHD or autism and literacy or maths remains a struggle, a specialist learning assessment can fill in that part of the picture.
A QbCheck screen gives objective information about attention and activity, but it doesn't diagnose ADHD, and Louise's own site says so clearly. A full ADHD assessment is a separate clinical process.
How it works
Assessments take place in person in Bedford, and Louise works with families from across Bedfordshire and the surrounding counties. Her website lists each type of assessment with its age range and current fees, and you can contact her by email, phone or the contact form.
